International Day of Older Persons: How to Take Care of the Elderly? Essential Vaccines and Safety Measures at This Stage of Life

Do you have an elderly person at home? Do you know how to take proper care of them? As they age, what things become crucial for their well-being? Are you aware that there are certain vaccines specifically recommended for older adults that must be taken from time to time? October 1, is the International Day of Older Persons.

Recently, the Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research in Delhi conducted a study on 300 elderly individuals. All participants were above 60 years of age. The study was conducted over 8 months, between January and August this year. The findings were:

40% had muscle-related problems

15% were at high risk of falling

22% had frailty (a condition where the body becomes very weak, increasing vulnerability to illnesses)

20% suffered from depression

27% had dementia, and among them, 7% had severe dementia

40% had osteopenia (bone-related issues)The study was led by Dr. Harjit Singh Bhatti, Consultant in Geriatric Medicine at Sitaram Bhartia. He stated that India currently has around 140 million elderly people, a number expected to reach 350 million by 2050. Yet, a large section of the population remains unaware of proper elder care.

After the age of 60, one must undergo a Preventive Health Check-up with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment every year. Five essential vaccines should also be taken:

Pneumonia (once)

Influenza (every year)

Herpes Zoster/Shingles (two doses, once in a lifetime)

TDAP – Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (once every 10 years)

Hepatitis B (three doses every 10 years)

In addition, seasonal vaccines like Typhoid and Hepatitis A may also be considered.

Other Important Safety Measures:

Avoid slippery floor tiles

Avoid carpets

Install railings in washrooms if needed

Ensure good lighting at home; use sensor lights if possible

Keep children’s toys, chargers, and cables in a separate corner

To maintain cognitive function and prevent dementia, play Sudoku or crossword puzzles for at least 20 minutes daily

Practice meditation and yoga

Regarding elderly women, Dr. Reva Tripathi, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology at Sitaram Bhartia, added further points. The risk of ovarian cancer increases at this age, so it is essential to get annual checkups for the uterus, ovaries, and menopause-related concerns. Urinary problems are common, and although breast malignancies are comparatively less frequent at this age, vigilance is still necessary.

At this stage of life, bone and posture issues are also common. According to Dr. Abhimanyu Kumar, Orthopaedic Consultant at Bhartia Hospital, 20 minutes of physical activity daily is essential. Diet should be monitored carefully, especially protein intake. Staying hydrated, sitting on a chair instead of a bed to maintain posture, checking weight regularly, and wearing shoes instead of slippers can reduce the risk of falls.

Dr. Kumar emphasized that exercises for the knees, lower back, spine, shoulders, and neck are particularly important at this age.